Buzz
The initial 20 minutes of a horror film are crucial—they either grip you with an irresistible urge to flick on the lights or leave you glancing at your watch, waiting for the story to unfold. This list highlights 10 films that masterfully captivated audiences from the very first scene, whether they were peeking through their fingers or staring wide-eyed. Additionally, we delve into some intriguing behind-the-scenes details about how these iconic openings came to life.
Warning: Spoilers ahead! Keep a blanket nearby to shield your eyes if needed.
10. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
What could be scarier than a killer you can escape? One you can’t. Freddy Krueger’s ability to haunt dreams and his chilling dialogue set him apart from other silent, wake-bound slashers, making him a standout figure in horror history.
The opening sequence of Wes Craven’s classic film introduces Tina, who appears to be the central character (a recurring theme you’ll notice in this list), alongside the glove-wielding Freddy Krueger, all within a tense 13-minute setup. From the unsettling scream of a goat (still oddly jarring yet effective) to Freddy’s arm extension, Tina’s face removal, and the chilling climax of Rod’s screams as Tina plummets from the ceiling, viewers are left questioning what they’ve just witnessed.
9. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Following the success of Halloween and the original Friday the 13th, the slasher genre was gaining momentum. Alice, the protagonist of the first film, was expected to become the franchise’s Laurie Strode. A strong character who defeated Mrs. Voorhees, she was poised to face Jason in the sequel. However, real-life events altered this plan.
Adrianne King, who played Alice, faced stalking after the original film’s release and declined to return as the lead. She agreed to a smaller role, which led to one of the most iconic jump-scares in slasher history: Alice opening a refrigerator to find the severed head of the woman who once urged, “Kill her, Mommy. Kill her.”
8. It (2017)
The 1990 miniseries remains a beloved classic among horror enthusiasts. Georgie Denbrough’s death is one of the few scenes that still resonates powerfully even after three decades (Fun fact: It 2017 debuted 27 years after the miniseries, mirroring Pennywise’s dormant period—how fitting!). However, with Tim Curry’s portrayal being so legendary, the 2017 adaptation faced a daunting challenge.
The filmmakers had to recreate the iconic scene, crucial to the narrative, while ensuring it felt fresh and distinct. By altering the dialogue, amplifying the shock factor, and incorporating a gripping musical score, they crafted a moment that not only stood on its own but also fully embraced its R-rating. Poor Georgie—his boat really was a nice one.
7. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The opening of this chilling film isn’t a traditional scene but rather text on a screen accompanied by John Larroquette’s voice in his Hollywood debut. The stark words and Larroquette’s delivery immediately immerse you in the gritty, unsettling world you’re about to experience for the next hour and a half.
This opening crawl (apologies, Star Wars) sets an uneasy tone for the group’s road trip, which only intensifies when the hitchhiker joins them. From there, he single-handedly maintains the discomfort. The text is so iconic that reciting the film’s title inevitably brings Larroquette’s voice to mind. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Admit it—you just heard it in his voice too.
6. Ghost Ship (2002)
While this might be the weakest film on the list, its opening scene remains undeniably impactful. The sequence evokes the eerie ballroom atmosphere of The Shining, with its unsettling laughter, haunting music, and the overall vibe of the setting.
The tension builds as you wonder about the purpose of the mysterious string—until the wire slices through the room, revealing the gruesome aftermath from the perspective of a young girl. Though the film itself didn’t live up to expectations, this opening scene certainly set the stage for something unforgettable.
5. Scream (1996)
What makes this scene legendary isn’t just the writing and direction—it’s also Drew Barrymore’s decision to play Casey Becker, defying expectations that she would be the final girl. The combination of her bold choice and the film’s craftsmanship creates a truly iconic moment.
Combining these elements, the scene transitions seamlessly from a lighthearted, meta-humorous discussion of horror films (Craven’s playful jab at the A Nightmare on Elm Street sequels is always a treat) to a gradual buildup of fear, culminating in sheer panic—mirroring Casey Becker’s own emotions. This emotional rollercoaster is a testament to the scene’s power.
4. Sinister (2012)
The movie, recently crowned the scariest ever in a blood pressure study, owes much of its terror to the chilling “home movies” featured throughout. This brings us to the opening scene, showcasing the infamous tree-hanging footage.
The unsettling score, the grainy film quality, and the lack of context leave you breathless. When the tree branch snaps, the shock is palpable. On repeat viewings, spotting Bagul lurking in the shadows adds an extra layer of dread.
3. Halloween (1978)
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The night He returned. Was there ever any question? The iconic jack-o-lantern fills the screen as the credits roll, followed by a first-person perspective closing in on the Myers house, signaling the audience that something ominous is about to unfold. Watching Judith and her boyfriend being stalked tightens the grip on your seat. Hearts race as the camera moves through the kitchen to pick up a knife.
The perspective shifts to Judith’s room, where her screams reveal the killer’s name: Michael. The final shock comes when Michael’s father removes the mask, exposing a 6-year-old boy in a clown costume as the murderer. The true horror lies in Michael’s emotionless black eyes, set against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect suburban family—a home, loving parents, and a teenage sister with a boyfriend. Michael’s evil has no explanation, no trauma—just pure malice. As Dr. Loomis said, and yes, Rob Zombie, this is directed at you.
2. Jaws (1975)
While Jaws is credited with making the world fear sharks, it’s really the opening scene that instilled that terror. The mechanical shark didn’t work as planned, forcing Spielberg to improvise—and the result was a masterpiece that left audiences forever wary of the ocean.
The terror of the shark in Jaws lies in its invisibility, forcing your imagination to run wild. The tension builds as the camera pans up to Chrissie, accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score, which suddenly halts as she’s violently pulled underwater. This scene might make you reconsider your next visit to Sea World.
1. The Ring (2002)
From Candyman to Bloody Mary, urban legends have always evoked a mix of fear and fascination. What sets The Ring apart is its contrast to A Nightmare on Elm Street. Samara, the monster, is entirely avoidable—just don’t play the tape! Yet, the story Katie tells about the tape feels unnervingly real, and the static-filled TV, the ominous “seven days” warning, and the water seeping under the door create an atmosphere of dread. The delayed scare, culminating in Katie’s horrifying closet reveal, leaves audiences screaming.
The funeral scene lulls you into a false sense of security, only to deliver the shocking image of Katie in the closet, accompanied by a scream that reverberates through the theater. The buildup and payoff are masterfully executed, leaving viewers on edge.
